Adventure Journal Features Castlegar Climbing

Adventure Journal Features Castlegar Climbing

The Adventure Journal, one of the most popular online magazines in North America, has just featured Castlegar in a story that highlights the city’s rock climbing and, specifically, the natural rock wall located behind the Lion’s Head Smoke and Brew Pub.

The article, entitled “This Climbing Crag is 50 Feet From a Pub – A little rock climbing with your craft beer?” describes the aptly named “Pub Wall,” which is located a five-minute drive from downtown Castelgar. The wall is the same rock feature described on this website in our “Canada’s Only Rock Climbing Pub” blog post. The Adventure Journal expands on that claim, however, and says, “While we have no official data to back this up, we know of no other natural climbing wall that’s in closer proximity to a bar.” In other words, Castlegar’s “Pub Wall” could be the only one of its kind in North America!

Justin Housman is the author of the piece and writes, “If there was a speed record for fastest approach, this would be it – the crag is a mere 10 feet (ok, 12) from the pub’s parking lot. You could belay from the hood of your car.”

The article goes on to describe the rock wall saying “it serves up eight low-angle sport climbs on high-quality Gneiss, and three trad climbs…Two of the sport routes have an optional second pitch, with sweeping views of the Columbia River over the pub’s rooftop.”

The Lion’s Head Smoke and Brew Pub is located on Broadwater Road and is a 32-year-old tudor-style neighbourhood institution renowned for it’s craft beer offerings. Carly Hadfield and Troy Pyett (who has rock climbed before) purchased the pub in 2009 and were soon approached by local climbers who wanted to put up routes on the property’s rock wall. When the couple learned about the British Columbia Law called the “Occupiers Liability Act,” which stipulates land owners aren’t liable for people who willingly engage in risky activities on their property, they gave permission for the new routing. Since then 11 rock climbs have been established there in the 5.9 to 5.10 range.

“The Pub Wall is an early season favorite for locals because it gets full sun, making it drier and warmer in the spring than the other climbing areas in and around Castlegar,” Housman writes. “And because craft beer.”

Come and visit the centre of it all. Where mountains and rivers meet in a fertile valley that boasts rich cultural heritage, a thriving artistic scene and more than enough outdoor recreation for every kind of enthusiast. Take the time to reconnect with what's important by stopping by the little city in the valley. We look forward to seeing you.